Eating your way through Charleston: How to see the city through its thriving restaurant scene
By Camryn Bacon
This belly-filling tour around Charleston is more than simply filling your stomach; it's about experiencing the true spirit of the South.
Charleston is more than simply a city; it's an immersive adventure. Its cobblestone lanes and pastel Victorian homes offer a setting for a colorful orchestra that resonates through the palmetto palms. Charleston has been known for its seafood scene, but it has turned into a national food scene for a while now. As the region has shifted, new locals have entered the Charleston realm and have opened our eyes to new spots to dine at and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Every location has a tale to tell, from the salt in the air, hinting at the ocean, to the smokey hints of barbecue. Charleston's food scene is a lively mix of history and creativity, with each meal paying homage to the city's rich culture and history. This belly-filling tour around Charleston is more than simply filling your stomach; it's about experiencing the true spirit of the South. The restaurants listed here are more than basic meals; they are the hearts of neighborhoods, community meeting spots, and proud keepers of history and tradition. They urge you to taste and feel Charleston's take via tastes that capture the core of this fascinating city.
Charleston Vacay Must Haves
Delaney Oyster House
Seafood lovers, this one's for you. Delaney's is a seafood-focused restaurant with a raw bar located downtown. Inside a charming Charleston classic, a single house, the classic oysters and ambience of Charleston hospitality await you inside. You must try the seasonal dressed oysters; they're fiddled with flavor and are fresh as ever. Remember to snag a sweet treat, specifically Mama G's Lemon Pound Cake, on the way out.
Maison
Since opening in 2019, Maison has experienced love from visitors and locals for their expertise in comfort food. The French Bistro has weekly specials but is most known for its classic steak frites and escargot. Pair it with a French wine or a fancy cocktail. The Parisian-inspired interior is bare and filled with a mix of artists, locals, and tourists, which keeps the restaurant lively and welcoming.
Lenoir Charleston
Where the history remains, and Charleston traditions are nuanced throughout the restaurant, LENOIR. You can expect to leave feeling the love of those in the restaurant as workers treat all guests with kindness and open arms. Bring your friends and snack lovers; the appetizers are a staple for the table. Feat on some Blueberry BBQ chicken wings, cornbread fritters, or pork rind oyster roosters. The interior has a colorful, modern feel with an outside patio.
Wild Common at cannon green
Need an intimate dining experience or a memorable celebration spot? Wild Common at Cannon Green will give you just that! With multi-course tasting menus and kind staff, the expectation of a great dining experience is consistently met. They are known for their unique food combinations and personal service, accommodating everyone who joins them for a meal. This restaurant is perfect for those seeking a fine dining experience with the freshest ingredients and cuisines from around the globe.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary, set in a 1920s bank, blends beauty and simplicity in a lively Parisian café-style atmosphere. High ceilings and a combination of white tile and black wood create a classy mood. It's boisterous, emphasizing sharing seafood dishes and a superb rum-based drink menu. The menu prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, with oysters, crab toast, and lobster rolls being notables. Perfect for seafood lovers and those looking for a venue that can accommodate various events. This place is a must-see for an excellent meal.
Jackrabbit Filly
Jackrabbit Filly delivers a modern diner experience, combining the warmth of a family-run restaurant with creative food. This restaurant excels with its colorful atmosphere and food that combines Chef Wang's Chinese ancestry with imaginative locally sourced dishes. The must-try karaage and shared platters promote social dining, leaving you wanting to try more than a couple dishes. Ideal for foodies looking to experiment with intense flavors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It's a perfect setting for first dates, as selecting and sharing meals sparks conversation, and for friends and families looking for a lively venue that offers more than simply a meal but also a memorable dining experience.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
You can't go to Charleston without tables of fresh oysters dressed in seasonings. Leon's Oyster Shop has been open since 2014, with its retro feel transformed from an auto body shop into one of the most hot spots for Charlestonians and newcomers. It's a spot for everybody, with classics like their famous fried chicken and frozen rose on tap, everyone is welcome and bound to have a great time. The food matches the vibes, is up to par, and always returns for more. Whether visiting or living in the area, check out this Charleston staple.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
The smell of barbeque will most likely overwhelm you before you approach the doors of Rodney's in the best way possible. It is located on King Street and features enormous windows with blue frames, so you are bound to notice it. The restaurant has a sleek industrial vibe with red and blue accents emphasizing the classic red baskets and checkerboard paper; knowing the food has to be over the top is excellent. Visitors are about the pork, the cheesy mac & cheese, and savory smoked chicken paired with their unforgettable barbeque sauce.
Charleston's culinary scene looks like a treasure map, with each restaurant symbolizing a location where magic happens. Also known as my belly getting full off of good times and good eats! From Rodney Scott's BBQ's classic customs to Wild Common's inventive delicious foods, these eight must-see sites embody the very best of the city. Whether diving into a platter of fresh oysters at Delaney Oyster House, enjoying the French flare of Maison, or sharing a plate of karaage at Jackrabbit Filly, you're participating in an unforgettable trip to Charleston. Charleston's restaurants are not just places to eat; they're where experiences form, traditions are created, and the Lowcountry's soul is lovingly provided. So, grab a fork, a friend, and a sense of adventure, and let Charleston's culinary culture take you on an unforgettable voyage. Every meal in this city celebrates history, community, and, most importantly, the universal language of good cuisine. Foodies, dive in!